Popular New York City Events

Three Kings Day Parade

Early January This festive, cultural holiday is observed in Puerto Rico , the greater Caribbean , Latin America , and throughout the United States . El Museo’s dynamic parade, led by the Three Kings, winds through the streets of El Barrio and includes lively music, colorful costumes, as well as an educational theatre program for students following the parade. The theatre performance will include an informative demonstration of the cuatro and aguinaldos (carols), as well as the origin of the Three Kings’ Day celebration.

Martin Luther King Day Parade

Third Monday of January is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. This national holiday was established in 1986 to recognize the achievements of Dr. King, one of the greatest civil rights leaders. It is observed on the third Monday of January each year, around the time of Dr. King’s birthday.

Fourth of July in New York City

July 4 In the United States, Independence Day (commonly known as “the Fourth of July” or “July Fourth”) is a federal holiday celebrating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. While 4th of July is celebrated as the day of independence, the United States became independent officially only after the war of independence, on September 3, 1783, when British King George III and US leaders signed the Treaty of Paris.

Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, beer, picnics, baseball games, and various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States. Fireworks have been associated with the Fourth of July since 1777.

Labor Day in New York City

First Monday in September More than 100 years after the first Labor Day observance, there is still some doubt as to who first proposed the holiday for workers. Some records show that Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a cofounder of the American Federation of Labor, was first in suggesting a day to honor those “who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold.” But Peter McGuire’s place in Labor Day history has not gone unchallenged. Many believe that Matthew Maguire, a machinist, not Peter McGuire, founded the holiday. Recent research seems to support the contention that Matthew Maguire, later the secretary of Local 344 of the International Association of Machinists in Paterson, New Jersey, proposed the holiday in 1882 while serving as secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York. What is clear is that the Central Labor Union adopted a Labor Day proposal and appointed a committee to plan a demonstration and picnic.

Halloween in New York City

October 31 Hallowe’en, or Halloween, is a tradition celebrated on the night of October 31, most notably by children dressing in costumes and going door-to-door collecting sweets, fruit, and other gifts. A specifically American variation of this is called trick-or-treating. Some other traditional activities include costume parties, watching horror films, going to “haunted” houses, and traditional autumn activities such as hayrides, some of which may even be “haunted”.

Thanksgiving in New York City

Fourth Thursday of November The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is an annual parade presented by Macy’s Department Store. The three-hour event is held in New York City starting at 9:00 a.m. EST on Thanksgiving Day.

Christmas in New York City

December 25 Christmas is an annual holiday that marks the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. Christmas celebrations often combine the marking of Jesus’ birth with various other traditions and customs, many of which were influenced by ancient winter festivals. Christmas traditions include the display of Nativity scenes, Holly and Christmas trees, the exchange of gifts and cards, and the arrival of Father Christmas (Santa Claus) on Christmas Eve. Popular Christmas themes include the promotion of goodwill, giving, compassion, and quality family time.

New Year’s Eve in New York City

December 31 New Year’s Eve is December 31, the final day of the Gregorian year, and the day before New Year’s Day.

New Year’s Eve is a separate observance from the observance of New Year’s Day. In 21st-century Western practice, New Year’s Eve is celebrated with parties and social gatherings until the moment of the transition of the year at midnight. Many cultures use fireworks and other forms of noise making in part of the celebration in cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Tokyo, London, Edinburgh, Istanbul, Berlin, Paris, Athens, Los Angeles, New Orleans, Manila, New York City, Las Vegas, Taipei, Hong Kong, Seoul, Chicago, Toronto, Rio de Janeiro, Valparaiso, Niagara Falls, Ontario and Montreal.

Hanukkah in New York City

December The festival of Hanukkah (also spelled Chanukah) was established to commemorate the Jewish Maccabees’ military victory over the Greek-Syrians and the rededication of the Second Temple, which had been desecrated by the Greek-Syrians, to the worship of God. Thus, Hanukkah is a celebration of Jewish national survival and religious freedom.